New Hampshire licenses nail technicians as manicurists through the Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics under OPLC. You need a New Hampshire manicurist license to perform manicures, pedicures, artificial nail application, and nail care services for compensation.
New Hampshire requires only 300 training hours — among the lowest in the country — plus NIC written and practical exams. No CE is required. Universal license recognition (HB 594) simplifies out-of-state transfers. Total initial cost is approximately $247. Here is exactly how to get your New Hampshire nail technician license.
New Hampshire Nail Technician License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Official License Title | Manicurist |
| Governing Agency | OPLC, Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics |
| Statutory Authority | RSA Chapter 313-A |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 300 hours at a board-approved school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes (board-approved) |
| Exam Required | NIC Written + Practical + NH State Law (Prov) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fees | $192 ($88 written/law + $104 practical) |
| Application Fee | $55 |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$247 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (expires last day of birth month in odd-numbered years) |
| Renewal Fee | $55 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | OPLC Applications |
| Board Website | oplc.nh.gov |
Education & Training Requirements
Complete 300 hours at a board-approved manicuring school. The curriculum covers manicuring, pedicuring, nail anatomy, artificial nail application (tips, wraps, acrylics, gels), sanitation and infection control, and New Hampshire laws and rules.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 2 to 3 months.
At 300 hours, New Hampshire is among the lowest-requirement states in the country. For a comparison of nail technician requirements across all states, see our nail technician license guide.
Exam Requirements
NIC Nail Technician exams through Prov:
- Written Exam: Multiple-choice covering nail theory, sanitation, anatomy, and NH laws. 90 minutes.
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of manicuring skills.
- NH State Law Exam: Administered alongside the written exam.
Passing score: 75%. Register at Prov.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 300 hours of manicuring training
- Register for NIC exams through Prov ($192 total)
- Pass the written, practical, and state law exams
- Apply through OPLC and pay $55 application fee
Total: approximately $247.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Expires biennially on the last day of your birth month in odd-numbered years. Renewal fee: $55. No continuing education required. Reinstatement within one year: $55. After one year, the license lapses permanently.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Under HB 594 universal license recognition, manicurists from states with substantially similar requirements can obtain a NH license through endorsement. Only proof of an active, good-standing license is required — no transcripts or exam results. The NH State Law exam may still be required. Fee: $55.
Military Provisions
Temporary license issued within 30 days for active-duty members or spouses. Valid 180 days with one 180-day extension. Military education and training credited toward licensing qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need for a nail technician license in New Hampshire?
300 hours at a board-approved school, typically completable in 2 to 3 months full-time. This is among the lowest requirements in the country.
How much does it cost to get a nail technician license in New Hampshire?
Approximately $247 total: $192 in exam fees and $55 application fee.
Does New Hampshire require continuing education for nail technicians?
No. NH does not require CE for any practitioner-level beauty license.
Can a cosmetologist do nail services in New Hampshire?
Yes. A cosmetology license in New Hampshire includes all manicuring services within its scope of practice.
Official Resources
- Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics (official website)
- Applications
- License Fees
- Reciprocity Information (HB 594)
- Prov Exam Registration
- Board Contact: 603-271-1062 | OPLCLicensing6@oplc.nh.gov
- Address: 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301